Bank of Thailand Governor Vithaya Rattanakorn stated that the central bank estimates the government's 400 billion baht emergency borrowing decree will add 0.6% stimulus to economic growth, bringing this year's overall GDP expansion to 2.1%, up from the previous 1.5% forecast based on a 300 billion baht borrowing plan.

Looking ahead to 2027, economic growth is projected at 1.6%, down from the earlier 2% forecast, due to the higher growth base this year. Regarding inflation, this year is expected to see 3.0-3.1% inflation, up from the previous 2.9% estimate, while next year's inflation is projected at 1.4%, compared to the earlier 1.5% forecast. As of April 2026, inflation stood at 2.89%, consistent with the Bank of Thailand's prediction that inflation will spike to 4-5% in some months before gradually declining in the second quarter of 2027.

Governor Rattanakorn stated that Thailand has not entered "stagflation" because, by definition, stagflation requires economic contraction combined with sustained high inflation. Currently, while inflation has risen moderately, it is expected to decline gradually in the second quarter of next year, meaning inflation will not persist long-term. Therefore, the country is not experiencing stagflation.

"However, circumstances change constantly, and there remains a stagflation risk that we must monitor and assess," the Bank of Thailand governor said. "That said, if we compare Thailand's inflation rate with other countries, Thailand's inflation remains on the lower end, while many countries are experiencing higher inflation rates."

On May 7, 2025, police conducted a traffic discipline checkpoint in front of Mae Nam Khwae Vocational College on Saengchuoto Road in Mueang District, Kanchanaburi Province. Officers stopped a Toyota sedan with Kanchanaburi registration traveling from the Kaeng Sian intersection toward downtown Kanchanaburi. While checking the driver's documents, officers observed suspicious behavior consistent with drug use and conducted a detailed search. They discovered 28 methamphetamine pills hidden in a glass bottle in the driver's seat cushion.

The suspect, identified as Songsakdi (surname withheld), age 56, was taken into custody. Upon interrogation at Mueang Kanchanaburi Police Station, a urine test came back positive. He admitted to purchasing 30 methamphetamine pills from a dealer named Naen from Ban Bong Dee, Sai Yok District, at 50 baht per pill. He had consumed two pills, leaving 28 remaining. He was driving to Kanchanaburi Provincial Prison to visit his wife, who is imprisoned on drug charges. The suspect had previously been arrested on drug charges by Sai Yok Police and was released approximately five years ago.

The suspect faces three charges: possession of Category 1 controlled substances without authorization, illegal consumption of Category 1 controlled substances, and driving under the influence of drugs.

The Intellectual Property Department and The One Enterprise are collaborating to promote geographical indication (GI) products through television dramas and series, while strengthening copyright laws and protecting performers' rights to advance Thailand's content industry. Ormon Sabtwitthidharm, director-general of the Intellectual Property Department, announced the partnership following meetings with Takol Kiattiwirawan, CEO of The One Enterprise Public Company Limited at GMM Grammy Place, where both organizations explored strategies to promote intellectual property use and create tangible value for the creative economy through comprehensive support of Thailand's content industry—from creation and talent development to commercial expansion and international market growth. The collaboration leverages the power of dramas and series as important tools to promote GI products both domestically and internationally.

"This discussion reflects the commitment of both public and private sectors to strengthen Thailand's content industry and enhance its global competitiveness, while developing personnel capabilities and content that can support growth in international markets," the director-general stated. The partnership emphasizes systematically linking storytelling, brand identity, and economic value, aligning with Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachee Sudhiramphunt's policy to strengthen Thai SMEs through intellectual property as a value-adding tool and to elevate Thai creative works and identity products to the global market.

Both parties discussed upgrading copyright laws and performer rights protections. The Intellectual Property Department is currently proposing amendments to the Copyright Act to enable Thailand's accession to the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT) under RCEP obligations, with completion targeted for 2025. This will enhance protection of performers' and sound recording producers' rights in the digital age. The department is welcoming private sector input and planning educational forums on copyright law to balance rights protection with sustainable development of the Thai film and drama industry.

The two organizations also identified opportunities to benefit communities by integrating GI products with local narratives into drama and series content through product placement and storyline connections—such as featuring GI products in dining scenes, using GI production facilities as filming locations, and linking character storylines to producers' lifestyles. Thai dramas, series, and news programs serve as soft power to convey local charm, lifestyle, and national identity to audiences at home and abroad, thereby creating tangible economic value.

At 11:50 a.m. on May 7, 2025, at Parliament, Dr. Worrung Dejakitvikrom, Thai Raksa Party leader and list MP, commented on former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra receiving a sentence suspension and his scheduled release from prison on May 11.

Dr. Worrung noted that Thaksin's situation involved breaking the law and abusing privilege by claiming illness to avoid imprisonment, which prompted public resistance and led to a court judgment requiring his incarceration. Having now served eight months, Thaksin has fulfilled the regulatory requirements and deserves the sentence suspension, a right that should be granted to him and others.

"Personally, I'm okay with it because it adheres to legal principles," Dr. Worrung stated. "Since he accepted responsibility and served time, I must commend him. But from here on, it's Thaksin's responsibility to plan his own future."

When asked about Thaksin's release impacting politics, Dr. Worrung observed that mass mobilization efforts—including lottery distributions and welcoming events—suggest Thaksin hasn't abandoned politics, which is his right. However, he expressed hope that Thaksin would learn from past mistakes and understand what should and shouldn't be done.

Dr. Worrung emphasized that if the rule of law is respected and everything proceeds legally, there should be no problems. However, given their age, Thaksin should understand that disrespecting the law creates social division. He acknowledged the release will impact politics but its severity depends on Thaksin's restraint.

Regarding potential complaints, Dr. Worrung said that since the court issued its judgment, he considers his duty fulfilled and rarely comments on Thaksin, as everything followed proper legal procedure. He respects Thaksin for respecting the court's decision and praised his conduct. However, if any future legal violations occur—whether by Thaksin, the government, or others—he will fight to protect the rule of law and justice.

Thai entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia say Thai business and products still have significant opportunities in the Middle East despite recent regional conflicts. Akkarawut Tangsirikosolwong, chairman of the Asian and Middle Eastern Export Trade Association and CEO of Vega Group, revealed that while recent Middle East tensions negatively impacted Thai business for just one month, most regional countries have now adapted and returned to normal operations. Trade and investment in Saudi Arabia continue as usual, and the country's Vision 2030 development initiatives are proceeding on schedule.

"News coverage may have made the situation seem severe, but the impact was actually short-term," Akkarawut explained. "People in the region still conduct normal daily life, especially in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The economy continues to function well, and despite a temporary dip in tourism, it's now recovering. Rising oil prices have also boosted regional income and consumer spending."

While the closure of the Strait of Hormuz initially disrupted export operations, Akkarawut noted that businesses have adapted by rerouting shipments through Oman instead. Although this increases shipping costs, commerce continues. Airports have also resumed operations. "I see the Middle East market as a strong opportunity for Thai products and services because the economy is growing well. Thai exports should recover fairly quickly since consumers in the region prefer Thai goods," he said. Product categories with strong market expansion potential include food products, processed foods, herbs, cosmetics, fashion, and home decoration items.

Thai food service businesses, particularly restaurants, continue to expand throughout the Middle East, reflecting strong consumer demand, especially in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. In the second half of the year, business events and trade shows postponed due to the conflict are expected to resume in July and August, presenting important opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs. Private businesses are preparing major projects including Global City in Dammam in eastern Saudi Arabia, offering showcase space for 40-50 Thai entrepreneurs and potentially generating 300-400 million baht in revenue.